The 2007-08 Barclays Premier League campaign ended on a positive note for Liverpool FC: no, not the 2-0 win over Tottenham, but Fernando Torres' record-setting 24th Premier League goal.

If anything, the win against Tottenham was a meaningless fortune in a forgettable season. However, Torres' goal cemented his name is the record books, passing Ruud Van Nistelrooy for most goals scored by an overseas player in his first season.

Although the young striker had a successful year, his club however did not. After finishing fourth in the league table, barely qualifying for the Champions League, and then losing to Chelsea in this years Champions League semi finals, many questions were left answered at Anfield.

Many players who shone for the club last year were non factors in this campaign. This was epitomized by John Arne Riise's own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi finals.

The drama off the pitch hasn't helped much either. The current feud between the North American owners hasn't improved any, and if anything, is stalling the efforts of Rafael Benitez to improve his club for next season.

That's something Rafa, and every other club manager, must do early this season with the European Championships on the horizon.

The Future

So, where does this leave the future of Liverpool? Well, hopefully the board room dilemma will be resolved soon and Dubai International Capital will take over half of the team's shares.

This would benefit Benitez by providing him with a bottomless money pit, like the one Avram Grant, Chelsea's manager, has to work with this summer. However, this is unlikely and Rafa is going to have to work with what he's got.

Gareth Barry is likely to join the reds in the near future. This will help them in the midfield and he should replace Xabi Alonso, who has been useless this year. Also, there is no question that Liverpool needs help at the back, and rumours that they are in the market for Barcelona back Éric Abidal are good news.

Barry and Abidal should aid Liverpool's effort to compete for the League Championship, amongst other tournaments. However, the offensive production of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, though large, needs assistance. And although Dirk Kuyt has proved himself a workhorse, he is nothing more than an excellent substitute.

Liverpool need a striker who can take some of the pressure off Fernando Torres up front. Some may argue that Liverpool should just utilize Ryan Babel more effectively, and though that point is arguable, it is not the answer.

Spanish Imports

Anyone who has followed Liverpool throughout Rafa's reign knows that he is the reason for the injection of Spanish talent into the squad. You might even say that Liverpool was successful in signing Fernando Torres because of Rafa.

So why not try it again?

There is another incredible Spanish striker out there, one that alongside Torres would put fear in the hearts of any opponent. You could even argue that this striker is better than Torres. You might have heard of him: David Villa.

Though Liverpool may not have the funds to carry out such a tall order, one thing is certain; if Liverpool were somehow, out of the blue, able to sign David Villa then one might almost guarantee their spot at the top of the Premier League table next season.

This may seem like a pipe dream to some, but at the moment, a pipe dream is exactly what Liverpool needs.